Telkom Kenya rolls out mobile video

By CORRESPONDENT, NAIROBI, Kenya, May 21 – Telecommunications operator Telkom Kenya has staked its turf in the dual play space to roll out a mobile video service.

Based on its technologically advanced IN platform, the delivery of video to mobile subscribers brings a much needed value added service for the local market.

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Speaking during the official unveiling of the digital television service in partnership with Digital Mobile Television, the company that transmits DStv Mobile, Telkom Kenya Chief Executive Mickael Ghossein, said that Orange mobile subscribers are now able to watch digital television programs on their phones.

He noted that the operator had initiated this as part of its strategy of delivering more value added services to customers on its GSM network and added that it was also a response to demand for more mobile content as Kenyan telecommunication consumers increasingly use their phones for data transmission.

“Mobile data takes almost half the expenditure for most users and consumers are demanding more relevant content for their devices which now have better capabilities at more affordable prices,” he explained.

The new service, he said, combines technologies – mobile and digital broadcasting- that have profoundly changed entertainment in this market.

He added that video and by extension TV would be an integral ingredient that drives demand for the current generation of mobile entertainment consumers as they desire both communication and entertainment – all in one place and in one device.

He observed that mobile phone users were currently estimated to spend between 15 to 20 minutes of TV programming at a time to catch up on news, sports, weather, and major events such as the World Cup. “For Orange subscribers, this will be possible due to our additional available broadband. Customers are thus able to gain a real-time experience using their mobile phone at speeds akin to watching their TV at home,” he said.

The service, Mr Ghossein explained, is available in high quality broadcast standard, adding that it would offer Orange subscribers a much anticipated chance to watch the 2010 World Cup from their mobile phones. DMTV, the owner of this service, has secured the rights to broadcast the 2010 World Cup on DSTV mobile.

He said: “Given the need to stay up to date on the World Cup, coupled with the challenge of match times, we expect ardent soccer fans to look for any means that can deliver their favourite games live.”

And as an added bonus, the company simultaneously announced a Sh50 million bonanza for its customers. The promotion dubbed “Chomoka na Ndai”, which is structured to run during the World Cup season, will see Orange customers win exciting prizes ranging from two cars, Iphones, television sets, laptops, Blackberry smartphones and airtime.

The football bonanza will also provide for an SMS alert service that will allow customers to keep up to date with the latest match results, updates and upcoming games, thus ensuring that Orange customers do not miss out on any of the World Cup action.